OPPORTUNITIES 2 TIPS - NVESTINYOUROPPORTUNITIES - Question The Quo
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OPPORTUNITIES
2021-2022
TCOMP
IPS
L
ETING
#I NVESTINYOUROPPORTUNITIES
WE WANT
FEEDBACK!
SURVEYMONKEY.COM/R
/OPPORTUNITIESBOOK
This workbook belongs to:
Welcome
What a year it has been! We know there have been significant
challenges over the past year, and we all are working together to
get back on our feet and move forward toward a brighter future. You
opportunities
have taken a big step by investing your time and energy into this
workbook. Remember to keep this book close by and reference it
often. Do you have ideas on how we can improve? Please share it Going to college can change your life
by completing the survey link on the preceding page.
2 Paths to higher education
We are excited to assist you in preparing for your future. Thank you 3 Most common college types
for allowing us to be a part of your education journey!
Choosing the right college
Updates to this book
5 Worksheet: Choosing the right college
While every effort is made to keep this book up-to-date, program
requirements are subject to change. For complete information
regarding specific programs, contact the organization responsible The college application process
for administering that individual program. 6 Preparing for college
7 Entrance exams
The U.S. Congress frequently considers legislation that could
9 Submitting your college applications
change some of the provisions of the federal student financial aid
10 Worksheet: Organize your application information
programs. If significant changes are made during the academic
year, this book will be updated. You can view the most current
version online at www.ecmc.org/opportunities. Navigating financial aid
11 College costs
Availability in Spanish 14 About the FAFSA
To order copies in Spanish and/or download a PDF, visit 18 Checklist: FAFSA
www.ecmc.org/opportunities. 19 Federal financial aid: Grants, work-study and loans
21 Scholarships
Para ordenar copias Español y/o descargar un PDF, visite 22 Scholarship scams
www.ecmc.org/opportunities. 23 Your rights and responsibilities
For administrators and counselors The final decision
This book is a resource for you to share with students. To order free 24 Understanding your financial aid offer letter
copies of this book, go to www.ecmc.org/opportunities. 26 Worksheet: Make your decision
About ECMC Student checklists
Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) is a nonprofit
27 Freshman
company with a mission to help students succeed. We work to
28 Sophomore
lower student loan default rates; sponsor college access and
29 Junior
success initiatives, and financial literacy programs; and provide
30 Senior
resources to support student loan borrowers to successfully repay
their loans.
Glossary
For more information, visit us online at www.ecmc.org/about-us.
32 College and financial aid definitions
GOING TO COLLEGE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Going to college can
change your life
EMPLOYMENT Your odds of career success are much higher if you attend
RATES & EARNINGS college. This chapter shares some statistics that prove this.
BY EDUCATIONAL
ATTAINMENT, 2020 Be happy Earn more
People who attend college: Going to college costs you money, but
Doctoral $1,885 not going can cost you even more. The
degree
2.5% · Report they have more job satisfaction U.S. Census Bureau’s 2011 American
than those who did not attend. Community Survey reveals that over an
Professional $1,893 · Typically live healthier lifestyles, and are adult’s working life, average total earnings
degree more likely to have access to employer- were as follows:
3.1%
provided benefits including: medical
Master’s $1,545 insurance, retirement plans and paid · High school graduate = $1.3 million
degree time off. · Some college = $1.6 million
4.1%
· Are more involved in their communities · Associates degree = $1.8 million
Bachelor’s $1,305 through higher levels of volunteering · Bachelor’s degree = $2.4 million
degree
5.5% and voting. · Master’s degree = $2.8 million
Source: www.census.gov/library/publications/2011
Finally, talk with people who have gone to /acs/acs-14.html
Associates $938 college—most will tell you it was fun!
degree
7.1%
Paths to higher education
Education pays
Some college, $877 The term “higher education” refers to all
no degree Statistics show that unemployment rates the educational opportunities available
8.3%
decrease in direct relationship to how to you after high school. By knowing
High school $781 much education you receive. The more all available opportunities, you will have
diploma education you receive, the more money you a better idea of what type of college
9.0%
are likely to make. A study by the Bureau of may be a good match for you.
Labor Statistics 2020 (Current Population
Less than high $619
school diploma Survey) supports this, shown in the chart
11.7% to the left. Keep in mind, education is an View college options
investment in your future.
on the next page
$1,029
All workers
7.1%
Median usual weekly earnings ($)
Unemployment rate (%)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020
Current Population Survey
Note: Data are for persons aged 25 and over.
Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers.
ECMC prepared this workbook to guide you through the college selection,
application and financial aid process. To reduce confusion, in this book
we refer to all types of higher education institutions as “colleges.”
2
GOING TO COLLEGE CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Most common college types
Type of institution Description Degrees offered Admissions
Career and technical · A CTE focuses on a highly specialized curriculum; can be nonprofit · Certificates of completion · Completed application for admission
education (CTE) or for-profit · Associate Applied Science · Proof of high school completion
institutions · Geared for students who want to learn a specific skill and find (AAS)
employment within two years
· Examples include cosmetology, HVAC, culinary and automotive
technology
Community · A college is one institution with multiple academic departments · Certificates of completion · Incoming freshmen and transfers
college · Offers traditional academic, continuing education and remedial · Associate of Arts (AA) · Completed application for admission
programs · Associate of Science (AS) · High school transcript showing proof
Junior college · Offers technical programs, such as cosmetology, HVAC, culinary · Associate Applied Science of high school completion
and automotive technology (AAS) · College transcript, if previously
(2-year) · May offer limited:
· Offers general education prerequisite courses required for most attended
bachelor’s degree programs at four-year colleges and universities · Bachelor of Arts (BA) · College placement testing may be
· Ideal for students looking to transfer to a four-year college and · Bachelor of Science (BS) required depending on the school
pursue a bachelor’s degree, students looking to earn an associate
degree or certificate, and students looking to further their
education
· Some colleges offer a limited number of bachelor’s degree
programs
College (4-year) · A college is one institution with multiple academic departments · Bachelor of Arts (BA) · Incoming freshmen and transfers
· Offers traditional academic programs; may offer technical, · Bachelor of Science (BS) · Completed application for
continuing education and remedial programs · May offer limited: admissions
· Offers general education prerequisite courses and upper-level, · Associate of Arts (AA) · Transcript showing successful
major-specific undergraduate and graduate courses · Associate of Science (AS) completion of high school (more
· Colleges can be specialized in a specific area or liberal · Associate Applied selective colleges require a higher
arts based Science (AAS) grade point average)
· Liberal arts colleges offer primarily liberal arts majors, yet many · SAT or ACT score may be required
offer degrees in STEM fields as well depending on the school
· Colleges (especially liberal arts colleges) tend to be smaller than · Supplemental documents may
universities and offer fewer majors; they may not offer graduate include essay, personal statement
degrees (master’s and doctoral) and/or academic resume
· Some colleges offer associate degree programs · College transcript, if previously
attended
University (4-year) · A university is one institution with multiple schools and · Bachelor of Arts (BA) · Incoming freshmen and transfers
colleges (college of liberal arts, school of engineering, college · Bachelor of Science (BS) · Completed application for
of business, etc.) · Master of Arts (MA) admissions
· Offers traditional academic programs; may offer technical, · Master of Science (MS) · Transcript showing successful
continuing education and remedial programs completion of high school (more
· Master of Business
· Even though universities tend to focus more on technical and selective universities require a
Administration (MBA)
specialized majors, most universities have a college of arts and higher grade point average)
· Doctorate of Philosophy · SAT or ACT score may be required
sciences that offers liberal arts programs (PhD)
· Universities tend to be larger than colleges and offer more majors; depending on the school
they offer graduate degrees (master’s and doctoral)
There are many other · Supplemental documents may
graduate and undergraduate include essay, personal statement
degrees, but these are the and/or academic resume
most common · College transcript, if previously
attended
A note about school accreditation and licensing
Accrediting and licensure agencies agencies, credits earned at one college For more information about accreditation
provide third-party oversight and ensure may not be transferrable to another and state licensing, visit the Department of
the college is providing the quality of college. Check with the Admissions Education at www2.ed.gov/students/prep/
education promised to the student. Due department to determine which of your college/consumerinfo/choosing.html.
to colleges having different accreditation credits will transfer.
3
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE
Choosing the right college
Your college selection is an important decision, but where do you start?
Use the tools and resources in this chapter to help you choose where to apply.
Finding the right college Consider your academic To help get you started, visit the following
resources and career assessment websites:
Every person is different. Your background, strengths
interests and personality are just a few · www.bls.gov/ooh—Occupational Outlook
things that make you original and unique. The best way to identify a career field or Handbook with more than 1,500 jobs
major course of study is to look at the descriptions and their likely pay scale.
Depending on many factors, you may find academic subjects you already enjoy, · www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-
preparing for college a simple or very time- especially those in which you perform more/career-content—Videos and articles
consuming process. Let your personal well. Identify majors that concentrate in containing detailed information on
interests, goals and situation influence these subject areas to ensure selection of several types of jobs as well as general
your decisions throughout the process. a major you’ll likely enjoy and do well in. advice when starting in the workplace.
Once you’ve identified a major or majors,
identify colleges that offer those majors. · https://roadtripnation.com—Videos
Explore career fields and interactive tools to help students
Base your final decision on the type of determine the right college type, major
Identify careers that interest you and and career.
student you are, your educational goals
determine which majors will best prepare
and what situation best fits your needs. · https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org —Has
you for that career. Investigate the
Talk to friends, family, teachers and many career exploration exercises and
academic requirements necessary to enter
counselors for help with identifying your also provides a focus on what educational
into those majors.
goals in going to college. requirements are needed to achieve
career goals.
Use the worksheet on the following page to
do some self-discovery. · www.onetonline.org—The U.S.
Department of Labor’s interactive
database of occupational information.
4
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE
WORKSHEET: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
In the top row, Think about important Cross off colleges that
make a preliminary factors you want your college appear to not have what
list of colleges that to have. Then, prioritize you’re looking for. Rank the
interest you. each factor in the level of remaining colleges in order
importance column. of preference.
College (fill in names of colleges that interest you)
Level of
importance Factors to consider 1. 2. 3. 4.
Program of study: Which programs does
the college offer to help you achieve your
career goals?
School size: Do you prefer a large or
small college? What is the student
population?
Class size: How large do you like your
classes to be? What is the
student-to-teacher ratio?
Support programs: Which programs
does the college offer to help you stay in
college and graduate?
City and neighborhood: Do you prefer
a city or a small town? What is the
population of the city or town?
Campus culture: When visiting each
college, get a feel for its “personality.”
How or why does it match yours?
Distance from home: How close do you
want to live to your family?
Extracurricular activities: Do you have
activities in your life that you can’t live
without?
Religious affiliation: Do you want to
attend a college affiliated with your
religious beliefs?
Net price: While one college may appear
to be less expensive, what will your
final cost be after receiving grants and
scholarships? Use https://collegecost.
ed.gov/net-price to identify your likely
estimated cost.
Financial aid options: Does the college
have special financial aid options?
These could include things such as
a tuition payment plan to spread out
your payments or a guaranteed cost of
attendance as long as you are enrolled.
Outside learning options: Does the
college offer internships, externships,
study abroad or service learning
opportunities?
Housing options near campus: How close
or far is housing? Will you need a car, or
are where you live, shop, and work within
walking or biking distance?
This worksheet can be downloaded here: www.ecmc.org/ChoosingTheRightCollege
5
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
The college
application process
Depending on your interests and goals, the college
application process could be as simple as filling out one page
for a community college, or as complicated as writing dozens
of essays, taking multiple standardized tests and preparing
portfolios. This chapter will help you organize the process
and stay on track.
Preparing for college INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
ORGANIZATION’S DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
Colleges care about the courses you · Two-year curriculum offered by the
take in high school. The more you International Baccalaureate Organization
challenge yourself when choosing high (IBO) that combines requirements
school courses, the more college options of a mixture of different national
you may have. education systems.
HONORS CLASSES · Offered in English, French and Spanish,
· More challenging academically. and allows students moving around the
country or from one country to another to
· Typically faster paced; cover topics in transfer among IB schools.
greater depth.
· Students choose courses from the
· Generally weighted higher for grade following subject groups: studies in
point average (GPA) but do not earn language and literature, language
you college credit. acquisition, individuals and societies,
sciences, mathematics and the arts.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CLASSES
· More challenging academically; courses · A list of participating schools from around
prepare you to take rigorous exams that the world is available at www.ibo.org.
can lead to college credit. TECHNICAL PREPARATION (TECH PREP)
· More than 38 AP classes are offered in PROGRAMS
subject areas. · Multiyear program (two or more years in
· Your high school may not offer classes high school and two in an occupational/
in all AP subjects, but most AP classes technical program at a community
are also available online (a fee may college or career and technical education
be involved). institution) designed to prepare students
for technical occupations.
· After coursework is completed,
students take nationally administered · Expands education and employment
AP exams in their chosen subject areas— opportunities by preparing you for careers
if the resulting scores are acceptable in health care, business, industry, labor
to the college, it might award college and government.
credit, advanced placement, or both, · Strong emphasis on math, science and
for the course. English—a complete Tech Prep program
DUAL-ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS includes the following:
· Students take college-level · A comprehensive career
classes for college credit while development plan
continuing to participate in regular · Courses designed for a specific
high school activities. career that integrate academic and
· Classes are often offered at high schools occupational preparation
or nearby community colleges. · A learning environment that
· Not every high school participates; emphasizes math, communications,
contact your high school counselor for science and technology
more information. · A smooth transition from high school
to college or employment
6
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
Practice entrance exams These tests measure the following skills: PreACT also offers insights to help students
· Critical reading explore college major and career options
There are two tests that help you to start planning for their future. The test is
“rehearse” for taking college entrance
· Math problem-solving scored on the same 1-36 scale as the ACT
exams—the PSAT/NMSQT and PreACT. · Writing but includes fewer questions. For more
Taking these tests will help you identify In addition, eighth, ninth and tenth graders information on PreACT, visit www.act.org.
strengths and weaknesses in skills may benefit from taking the PSAT 8/9 and
necessary for successful college study. You
can then focus your preparation on those
PSAT 10. Entrance exams
areas where you could most benefit from The National Merit Scholarship Corporation Several colleges require you to take a
additional study or practice. Your specific uses these scores to determine eligibility college entrance exam as part of the
test results are not reported to colleges. for their scholarship programs. For more admissions process. There are two primary
However, you will receive information from information on the PSAT/NMSQT, visit the tests, the SAT and the ACT, and either
colleges interested in students testing College Board website at test is generally accepted by colleges for
within your range. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org. admissions purposes.
THE PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE THE PreACT TEST
TEST AND THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PreACT is a multiple-choice test for
QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)
sophomores designed to help students
The PSAT/NMSQT are standardized tests, MANY COLLEGES ARE ELIMINATING
prepare for the experience of taking the
THE REQUIREMENT FOR ACT/SAT TEST
usually taken during your junior year that ACT. It is patterned after the ACT and
SCORES. CHECK www.fairtest.org/
help you practice for taking the SAT. The includes testing in English, math, reading
newly redesigned tests are made up of: university/optional FOR A CURRENT LIST
and science. PreACT score reports offer
OF TEST-OPTIONAL COLLEGES. THIS LIST
a broad view of students’ college and
· Evidence-based reading and writing career readiness, and provides information
IS EVER-CHANGING. ALWAYS VERIFY TEST
· Reading test REQUIREMENTS WITH THE COLLEGE’S
regarding their future performance on the ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR.
· Writing and language test exam.
· Math
ENTRANCE EXAM COMPARISON
ACT (American College Test) SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
What is tested ACT measures what you learn in high school to SAT measures what you learn in high school and
determine your academic readiness for college what you need to succeed in college
When to take the test ACT examination is offered seven times a year in the SAT examination is offered seven times a year in
months of February, April, June, July, September, the months of March, May, June, August, October,
October and December November and December
Registration deadline About five to six weeks before the test date About four weeks before the test date
Test duration 2 hours, 55 minutes + 40 minutes for optional essay 3 hours + 50 minutes for optional essay
Major sections English, mathematics, reading, science and an Math, reading, writing, language and an
optional writing section optional essay
Scoring 1-36 400-1600
Test owned by ACT, Inc. College Board
Started in 1959 1926
Website www.act.org www.collegeboard.org
7
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
Testing dates, fees and registration
PSAT
Regular
2021-2022 Late registration
registration Notes Fees Registration
Test dates deadlines
deadlines
October 13-26, 2021 Check with your Check with your school · Test is administered by · $18 · Online registration is
school counselor counselor high schools, not through · Note: Schools may charge not available
test centers an additional fee to cover · You must sign up for
administrative costs the PSAT/NMSQT at
· The College Board makes fee your high school or at
waivers available to schools another high school in
for students in 11th grade from your community
low-income families that cannot
afford the test fee
· See your school counselor
for more information about
fee waivers
PreACT
2021-2022 Regular registration Late registration
Notes Fees Registration
Test dates deadlines deadlines
September 1-June Check with your Check with your school Test administered in Generally no cost to Register with your
1 each year at your school counselor counselor school-supervised setting the student school counselor or
school’s discretion administrator
SAT
2021-2022 Regular registration Late registration Notes Fees Registration
Test dates deadlines deadlines
October 2, 2021 September 3, 2021 September 21, 2021 · Sunday administrations · SAT: $55 www.collegeboard.org
usually occur the day after · Change registration: $25
each Saturday test date · Cancel registration: $25
November 6, 2021 October 8, 2021 October 26, 2021 for students who cannot test · Late cancel registration: $35
on Saturday for religious
· Late registration: $30
December 4, 2021 November 4, 2021 November 23, 2021 reasons
· Waitlist: $53
· The Language Tests with
· Fee waivers are available for
Listening are offered in
March 12, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 1, 2022 certain low-income students
May 2022
· See your school counselor
· Optional essay will only be for details
May 7, 2022 April 8, 2022 April 26, 2022 available in states where
it’s required as part of SAT
June 4, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 25, 2022 School Day administrations
ACT
2021-2022 Regular registration Late fee required Notes Fees Registration
Test dates deadlines
· You can proceed with your · ACT (no Writing Test): $60 www.act.org
September 11, 2021 August 6, 2021 August 20, 2021
original test date or you · ACT with Writing Test: $80
can request to change it. · Late registration fee: $35
October 23, 2021 September 17, 2021 October 1, 2021 However, you will need to · Test date change: $35
pay the basic registration fee · Test center change: $35
December 11, 2021 November 5, 2021 November 19, 2021 for the new test date plus · Fee waivers are available for
the test date change fee. If students who meet one or more
you request a date change indicators of economic need
February 12, 2022 January 7, 2022 January 21, 2022 after the regular deadline for · See your school counselor
the new date, you must also for details
April 2, 2022 February 25, 2022 March 11, 2022 pay the late registration fee.
Your basic registration fee for
the original test date will be
June 11, 2022 May 6, 2022 May 20, 2022 refunded.
July 16, 20221 June 17, 2022 June 24, 2022
1
No test centers are scheduled in New York for this date.
8THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
Submitting your college EARLY DECISION AND EARLY ACTION A recommendation is a favor. No one is
Many colleges allow you to apply under an required to recommend you to a college.
applications “early decision” or “early action” program. Here are some commonly accepted rules of
Typically, you have to apply earlier than etiquette to follow:
Every college has a different application
process with different directions to follow. most applicants, but you also find out · When giving your references the forms,
Read them carefully and use the worksheet earlier whether you have been accepted. include a pre-addressed envelope to
on page 10 to organize the information for These programs are not for everyone. the appropriate address with the correct
the colleges you are considering. Make Generally, only those who have a clear- amount of postage on the envelope
one copy for each college to keep with your cut, first-choice college should apply if they are meant to mail it directly to
application materials. under these programs. If you believe early the college.
decision or early action is right for you,
check with the college admissions office to
· Write thank-you notes to your references.
Applying to college can seem to be a
daunting task. However, you are not in determine how to apply. ESSAYS
this by yourself. If you need help, ask for TRANSCRIPTS If your colleges require essays, they will
it. There are many resources—parents, usually give you specific questions or
teachers, school counselors and volunteer As part of the admissions process, you or
your school counselor will need to request topics for your essays. Here are some tips
organizations—you can call on to help to follow:
guide you. and submit an official copy of your high
school transcript (and college transcript · Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
WAYS TO APPLY if you have already earned some college Most software programs offer this feature,
· Paper credits) for each college where you plan but don’t rely entirely on the computer.
· Electronic to apply. · Have someone proofread and provide
constructive feedback on your essay.
To determine the best way to apply, go to Many students apply to colleges while still
the admissions page on each college’s attending high school. College acceptance · Don’t exceed the word limit, if any
website and look for more information. is often contingent upon your grades. You is given.
will also need to send a final transcript to · Be yourself. Don’t second-guess what
Consider visiting www.commonapp.org. the college you will attend. the college would like you to think or
More than 900 colleges and universities say in your essay.
participate in this one-stop for college RECOMMENDATIONS
admissions where you can apply, · Don’t stray from the question/topic.
If your colleges require recommendations,
keep track of college-specific deadlines letters or specific forms, you will need to Everyone goes about the writing process
and more. ask your teachers and/or other adults differently. Brainstorming and outlining are
to be references. Some colleges even two methods that might help you.
APPLICATION COSTS
ask for peer recommendations. When
Application fees vary among colleges. identifying whom you should ask, consider
Many colleges will waive the application your relationship with the person and
fee, especially for applicants who received how well you’ve done in your activities with
fee waivers for taking college entrance him or her.
exams. Check with the college admissions
office to determine the circumstances Writing recommendations can be time-
under which the college will waive the consuming for the people writing them.
application fee. They might also be writing them for other
students. Give your references plenty of
DEADLINES time and make sure they are aware of
Deadlines are important. Be sure to pay recommendation deadlines. One month
attention to and meet each college’s date before your earliest deadline should be
for application. If applying with a paper sufficient, but inquire as to your reference’s
application, be careful to note whether schedule when asking.
the deadline is based on the arrival or
postmark date. If the deadline is the arrival
date, make sure to include several days for
postal delivery.
Depending on your area of interest, your colleges
might ask for a portfolio, audition materials or
other evidence of your talents. Contact the specific
program for more information on what to include.
9THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
WORKSHEET: ORGANIZE YOUR
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Make copies of this page, and complete the information for each
college you are seriously considering.
APPLICATION DUE / /
COLLEGE NAME
□ Postmark date □ Arrive-by date
COLLEGE INFORMATION ESSAYS
Essays required? YES □ NO □
Address for application:
Complete
□
City, state, zip: Topic 1:
□
Website: Topic 2:
□
Admissions office phone: Fax: Topic 3:
CEEB code* (College): (High School):
INTERVIEWS
*CEEB codes can be found at www.collegeboard.org. Interview required? YES □ NO □
Thank you sent? YES □
RECOMMENDATIONS
Interviewer Complete
Requested Received Thank you sent
□
Name:
Reference 1: □ □ □
□
Title:
Reference 2: □ □ □
□
Email:
Reference 3: □ □ □
□
Phone:
VISIT OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Visiting campus? YES □ NO □ Dates of visit: Other requirements? YES □ NO □
Name of person you're meeting Date/time Location Task Complete
□
□
□
CONTACTS
Name Phone Email Notes
This worksheet can be downloaded here: www.ecmc.org/OrganizeYourAppInfo
10NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
Navigating financial aid
This chapter will help you understand what types of financial aid are
available, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion
process and how to stay on course to receive your financial aid.
College costs Public colleges: Tuition and fees are Room and board
generally the lowest because they receive Room and board means basic living
COST OF ATTENDANCE funds from state taxes. Most four-year and expenses for housing and food. Regardless
The cost to attend college is often referred two-year public colleges charge higher of the kind of college you choose, you will
to as Cost of Attendance (COA). COA is tuition for nonresidents than for legal have to consider these expenses.
used in the calculation to determine residents of the state in which the college
eligibility for financial aid. It is often is located. This out-of-state tuition can Colleges with their own housing typically
calculated to show the total cost for the often make the cost of attending a public charge you on a nine-month basis for
academic year, though schools with college as high as the cost of attending your room and most meals, excluding
programs that last a different time period many private colleges. However, some holiday and vacation periods. The room
might show the COA that covers a specific bordering state residents may be treated and board charge is built into your COA.
period of time. COA includes both direct as legal residents of that state under a Colleges also expect that students living in
and indirect costs. reciprocity agreement. Check with the privately owned, off-campus housing have
college admissions office if you are eligible a similar level of expense. Some colleges
Direct costs are fixed costs that are billed to receive in-state tuition rates. do not allow students to stay in on-campus
by the college. housing during excluded periods.
Private colleges: Tuition is usually higher
· Tuition than at public colleges. Private colleges If you plan to live at home, you are likely
· Fees do not receive public funding for their to have lower expenses than on-campus
· Room and board (if living on campus) operations and need to charge more of the students because you do not have to
real costs to students. However, private pay for housing. You will still need to
Indirect costs are not included on a college factor in your cost of food and other living
colleges often have more financial aid
bill; however, they are considered in the expenses. These costs are usually built into
resources that can help you make up the
overall cost to attend college. a commuter student budget for financial
difference between costs and financial aid.
· Books and supplies The greater your overall cost of attendance, aid purposes.
· Child care or other dependent care the greater the possibility you will
· Costs related to a disability demonstrate need for financial aid.
· Loan fees Fees
· Personal computer Many colleges charge fees for other
· Personal expenses services. Examples include:
· Reasonable costs for eligible study · Athletic
abroad programs
· Enrollment
· Room and board (if living off campus)
· Greek societies (membership dues)
· Transportation
· Health center
Tuition · Library
The cost of tuition and fees charged by · Parking
a college depends on many factors, but · Student activities
the most significant factor is what kind of · Technology fees
college it is.
11NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
WAYS TO REDUCE
COLLEGE COSTS
Earn college credits in high
school. You can earn college
credits by taking AP or
IB exams or through dual
enrollment. See page 6
for details.
arn college credits for what
E
you already know. College Level
Examination Program (CLEP)
tests can get you through
college quicker or help you
graduate on time. For details,
visit www.collegeboard.org.
Two plus two. Start at a
community college and
then transfer to a four-year
college to complete your
bachelor’s degree.
Tuition reimbursement. If you
or your parents are employed,
check to see if the employer
offers to reimburse you for
the cost of attending college.
Take
an extra class over the
normal, full-time load. Usually
taking an extra class does
not add to the tuition cost
for the term.
Shop around for textbooks.
Rent or buy used books
and sell them back to the
bookstore or to other students
after the end of the term.
Look online for textbook deals
and consider less expensive
electronic versions.
Graduate on time.
12NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
Books and supplies Commuter students will also have travel NET PRICE CALCULATORS
As a college student you will spend money expenses, whether you use public Each college that participates in the federal
on textbooks, notebooks, paper, computer transportation or a car to get to and from financial aid programs is required to have a
supplies and the like. The amount you college several days a week. These costs “net price calculator” on its website. These
spend for books and supplies will vary are built into student expense budgets by calculators can give you a rough estimate
only slightly by the type of college, but is colleges for financial aid purposes. of how much it may cost you to attend each
related to the curriculum or courses you specific college, taking into account aid
select. In some academic fields, such as DETERMINING YOUR OWN COSTS
you may receive from both the college and
nursing and other medical fields, you will To determine your own cost estimates, federal financial aid. The easiest way to
spend more on books than in other fields, remember to consider any additional find the calculator on the college’s website
such as business or communications. costs that might result from medical is to type “net price calculator” in the
Some fields will require specific uniforms bills or extraordinary personal expenses. website search field.
and equipment that must be purchased,
such as art, medical or lab supplies.
Estimating college costs The estimates provided by different net
price calculators should not be used to
Personal expenses Before you file the FAFSA, there are ways to absolutely rule in or rule out a particular
Regardless of the type of college you get an estimate of how much college may college. The calculator questions vary
choose to attend, you will have some cost you. from college to college. Because of
personal expenses such as clothing, this, the results may not provide an
laundry, toiletries, recreation, medical FINANCIAL AID “apples-to-apples” comparison of
insurance and medical costs. your net college costs.
Visit College Board's BigFuture EFC
Transportation Calculator (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.
COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
All students spend some money for travel. org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/
If you live in a different city than where expected-family-contribution-calculator) The U.S. Department of Education
your college is located, you have to travel to get an idea of your expected family designed the College Affordability and
to get there at the start of the academic contribution used by colleges to determine Transparency Center to provide better
year and travel to return home at the end how much financial aid they will offer you. information about college costs. It serves
of the year. Most students also go home at as a central point of access to several
Use the FAFSA4caster (https://fafsa.ed.gov/ tools that allow users to compare college
least once during the year. For financial aid
spa/fafsa4c/) to determine eligibility for tuition and fees, net price and other
purposes, colleges often budget students
federal student aid and receive estimated characteristics including College Scorecard,
for two round-trips home per year by the
types and amounts of aid you may receive. College Navigator, links to college’s net
least expensive means of travel possible.
price calculators and state spending
charts.
https://collegecost.ed.gov
AVERAGE ESTIMATED FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE BUDGETS, 2020-21
$1,840
Public two-year TUITION + FEES TRANSPORTATION
in-district $3,770 $9,080 $2,400 $18,550
commuter ROOM + BOARD OTHER EXPENSES
$1,460
$1,230 BOOKS + SUPPLIES
Public four-year
in-state $10,560 $11,620 $2,170 $26,520
on-campus
$1,240
$1,230
Public four-year
out-of-state $27,020 $11,620 $2,170 $43,280
on-campus
$1,810
$1,240
$1,060
Private nonprofit
four-year $37,650 $13,120 $54,880
on-campus
$1,240
$0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000
Source: https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2020.pdf
13NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
fafsa
In recent years, more than 98 percent
of FAFSA filers have applied online.
It’s the fastest, the easiest and simply
the best way to file your FAFSA.
On average, it takes just 23 minutes
to complete the FAFSA online.
About the FAFSA You will need to file the FAFSA each year This worksheet provides a preview of
you will be in college to be considered the questions that you may be asked
COMPLETE THE FAFSA—IT’S IMPORTANT! for aid. Regardless of whether you qualify while completing the FAFSA online. The
Students are required to complete the for federal student aid, if you fail to file questions on the FAFSA on the Web
FAFSA to determine their eligibility for all the FAFSA you will miss out on being Worksheet are ordered as they appear on
federal student aid. Many people do not considered for state and institutional the online FAFSA, although some may be
complete the FAFSA because they assume aid. Assuming you are not eligible skipped online based on your answers to
they will not be eligible for federal aid, can be costly. earlier questions.
or they feel the process is too confusing
Filing the FAFSA is free. Remember—the To complete the FAFSA, you (and your
or complicated.
first word in FAFSA is “Free.” There are parents if you are considered dependent)
Here’s what’s wrong with that thinking: companies that will charge you a fee to must provide certain information regarding
help you complete the FAFSA, but there your financial assets, liabilities and
· Don’t assume you won’t qualify for shouldn’t be a need to pay for this service. income. Refer to the following documents:
financial aid. Virtually every student is
eligible for at least one type of federal If you do not meet the citizenship · Prior-prior year federal income tax returns
student aid. It’s very simple—if you do requirements for filing the FAFSA, check (two years prior to the current year; for
not apply for federal student aid by filing with the financial aid office at your college example, the 2022-2023 FAFSA will
the FAFSA, you will not receive any to determine if an alternate application use 2020 federal income tax returns).
federal student aid. can be used. Many applicants may be able to transfer
income tax data directly from the
· Eligibility for many state aid programs WHAT THE FAFSA DOES IRS into the FAFSA using the IRS Data
is determined by your FAFSA data. If you Retrieval Tool.
don’t complete the FAFSA, you simply Your eligibility for federal financial aid is
won’t be considered for state aid, in calculated using the Federal Need Analysis · W-2 forms and other income records
many cases. Methodology, a formula mandated by · Current bank statements
Congress. The formula takes into account · Records of benefits from federal and
· Many colleges use FAFSA data to your (and your parents’ if you are a
determine eligibility for institutional aid state agencies
dependent student) financial condition.
(or aid the college offers.) Additional When you complete the FAFSA, you are It is essential that you provide correct
forms may be required as part of the answering a series of questions to provide information and follow all instructions
application process; contact each this information. for filing the FAFSA. Mistakes and
college’s financial aid office to find out.
incomplete information can lead to
· Many private scholarship programs use · You may find it helpful to first complete delays in receiving aid.
FAFSA data to determine who qualifies for the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
their scholarships. available at https://studentaid.gov/
sites/default/files/2021-22-fafsa-
worksheet.pdf.
14NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
THE STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR) To sign your FAFSA online, you must apply information only on themselves and
After you file a FAFSA, you will receive a for an FSA ID; which includes a username their spouse (when applicable). You are
Student Aid Report (SAR) from Federal and password. Your FSA ID is issued by automatically classified as independent if
Student Aid (FSA) that contains information Federal Student Aid at https://studentaid. you can check ANY of the following boxes:
provided on your FAFSA along with your gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing. You, and at
Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your least one parent if you are a dependent □ I was born before January 1, 1998
EFC is not the amount of money your family student, will need to have an FSA ID to
electronically sign the FAFSA. □ I am married
is expected to pay. Rather, you should
think of the EFC as an index colleges use to □ I will be working on a master’s or
Other ways to file include:
calculate the amount of financial aid you doctorate program (e.g., MA, MBA,
may qualify to receive. While your family is · PDF FAFSA that you download, complete MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate)
expected to contribute toward your cost of and mail—go to www.fafsa.ed.gov/
education, the amount of this contribution □ I am serving on active duty in the U.S.
options.htm and click on “Complete a PDF Armed Forces
will be determined by the financial aid FAFSA.”
office at your college. □ I am a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
· Paper FAFSA that you request, complete
When you complete the FAFSA, you and mail—to get a paper FAFSA, call
□ I now have or will have children for
indicate the federal school codes for the 1.800.4.FED.AID (1.800.433.3243) whom I will provide more than half of
colleges you are interested in attending. If you are hearing impaired, contact the their support between July 1, 2021 and
These colleges receive the information TTY line at 1.800.730.8913. June 30, 2022
you provided on the FAFSA. Based on this
DOMICILE (RESIDENCY) □ Since I turned age 13, both of my
information, each college will determine
the amount and types of aid for which On the FAFSA, domicile is referred to as parents were deceased
you are eligible. your “State of Legal Residence.” A person’s
domicile is their present, fixed home to □ I was in foster care since turning age 13
You will receive an offer letter from each which they return following temporary □ I have dependents (other than my
college that accepts you for admission. absences and at which they intend to children or my spouse) who live with
The letter outlines the total financial aid stay indefinitely. To be eligible for in-state me and I provide more than half of
package (grants, scholarships, work-study tuition benefits and most state-supported their support
and loans) for which you are eligible. financial aid, you must have established
Financial aid officers at the colleges can domicile for at least one year prior to □ I was a dependent or ward of the
answer questions regarding the SAR and the first day of class. Minors are presumed court since turning age 13
offer letters. See pages 24-25 for more to have the domicile of their parent or
information about offer letters. legal guardian. □ I am currently or I was an
emancipated minor
FILE THE FAFSA ONLINE-IT'S FAST! Domiciliary intent is determined using
□ I am currently or I was in legal
· Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for- many factors. These could include paying guardianship
aid/fafsa. state income tax as a resident, registering
to vote in the state, owning property, □ I am homeless or I am at risk of
· This is the fastest and most accurate way permanent employment, sources of being homeless
to file and get results—your application financial support and economic ties with
is automatically edited for errors as you the state. The burden is on the applicant to If none of these criteria apply to you,
complete it to ensure your information is provide sufficient information to establish you are a dependent student. See
as accurate as possible. domiciliary intent. https://studentaid.gov/dependency
· When your FAFSA information is for more information.
transmitted over the Internet, it is Contact the registrar’s office at your college
completely secure. for more information. In addition, the financial aid office at
your college can determine if you should
· It is easy to navigate with extensive online INDEPENDENT VS. DEPENDENT STATUS be considered independent if special
help including live chat, email and phone circumstances exist, but this occurs only
options available. In determining financial need, one of the
most important factors is whether you are in rare circumstances.
classified as a dependent or independent
student. Dependent students must
include parental information on the FAFSA.
COMPLETION OF Independent students should include
THE FAFSA IS THE
SINGLE MOST
IMPORTANT PART OF
THE FINANCIAL AID
PROCESS.
15NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
MYTH #1 MYTH #4
It’ll take a long time to create my FSA ID. I need an email address or mobile phone
On average, it takes about seven minutes number to create an FSA ID.
to create an FSA ID. Federal Student Aid You do NOT need an email address or
has a variety of resources, such as this
9 MYTHS
mobile phone number to create an FSA
helpful video, that walk you through ID. If you don’t have an email address
each step of creating an FSA ID. or mobile phone number, you can leave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Pn- those fields blank. However, adding this
ABOUT THE shze8 information is strongly recommended.
Once your email address is verified, you
MYTH #2 can enter your email address instead of
FSA ID Only students need to create an FSA ID.
your username when you log in. You can
also use your email address or mobile
phone number to retrieve your forgotten
If you are a dependent student, then
username or password or to unlock your
your parent will need his or her own FSA
account.
ID in order to sign the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
electronically. That’s because you will need MYTH #5
to provide your parent’s information on
As of April 2017, 45 million your FAFSA form, and your parent will As a parent, I can use the same email
need to sign the FAFSA form as well. address or mobile phone number for both
FSA IDs have been created, But here is something very important: my FSA ID and my child’s FSA ID.
and people have used their Your parent must create his or her own, An email address or mobile phone number
separate FSA ID. Your parent shouldn’t cannot be used with more than one FSA
FSA ID more than 315 million use your FSA ID, and you shouldn’t create ID. If you’re a student and you choose to
an FSA ID for your parent.
times. With any new process, provide an email address and/or mobile
phone number when creating your FSA
there are some myths floating If you’re not sure if you’re a
ID, you’ll need to include your own email
dependent student, visit
around about creating and https://studentaid.gov/dependency.
address and/or mobile phone number.
Your parent will need to include his or her
using an FSA ID. Visit own email address and/or mobile phone
www.ed.gov/content/9- MYTH #3 number when creating his or her FSA ID.
If you don’t have an email address or
myths-about-fsa-id-0. It’s okay to let someone else create mobile phone number, you can leave
or use my FSA ID. those fields blank.
Not okay. Each individual person needs
to create his or her own FSA ID. If you’re a MYTH #6
parent, you should NOT create an FSA ID for
your child. If you’re a student, you should I need an FSA ID to fill out the FAFSA form.
NOT create an FSA ID for your parent. Why? The fastest way to sign and submit your
For example, if a parent tries to create both FAFSA form is to use an FSA ID. That said, if
the parent’s and child’s FSA IDs, it’s easy to you or your parent don’t have an FSA ID, you
mix up information such as Social Security can still submit the FAFSA form. If you fill out
numbers, dates of birth, and usernames the FAFSA form online but don’t have an
and passwords. Because Federal Student FSA ID, you can choose the option to submit
Aid verifies your information with the Social your FAFSA form without signatures, and
Security Administration, it’s crucial that this then print and mail a signature page. If you
information be correct. Also, if someone can’t fill out the FAFSA form online, you have
else creates your FSA ID, how will you know other options.
the answers to your challenge questions
if you need to retrieve a forgotten username Students without access to a computer can
or password? receive FAFSA assistance from a wide range
of college access organizations, such as the
Most importantly, FSA IDs are used to National College Attainment Network.
sign legally binding documents, so giving A student can also visit a local library, use a
someone access to your FSA ID is like computer at school or get help from a school
allowing them to forge your signature. Be counselor.
sure to create your own FSA ID, and save
yourself the trouble.
16NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
MYTH #7 MYTH #9
The Social Security Administration I forgot my password, and it’s going to
(SSA) has to verify my information take 30 minutes to reset it.
before I can use my FSA ID.
The easiest way to reset your password
If you’re filling out a FAFSA form for the first is by using your verified email address
time, you can use your newly created FSA or verified mobile phone number. If
ID to sign and submit your FAFSA form right you reset your password using one of
away. But, if you need to submit a renewal these options, you can use your FSA ID
FAFSA form or make corrections after immediately. You have to wait 30 minutes
you’ve submitted your FAFSA form, you only if you reset your password using
first have to wait for the SSA to verify your your challenge questions.
identity before you can use your new FSA
ID. The verification process takes There are lots of resources online to assist
one to three days. you with your FSA ID. For step-by-step
instructions on how to create an FSA ID,
When creating your FSA ID, make sure to visit www.ecmc.org/students/resource-
enter your information exactly as it appears guides.html. Visit https://studentaid.gov/
on your Social Security card to avoid fsaid for more FSA ID information. In no
delays. Once your information is verified, time, you’ll have your very own FSA ID, too!
you can use your FSA ID to submit your
renewal FAFSA form, make corrections,
access your loan history and a host
of other things.
If you’re a parent, you never have to wait
for the SSA match to sign your child’s
FAFSA form. However, if you sign the
FAFSA form when your SSA match status
is listed as “pending” and it later returns
“no match,” Federal Student Aid will
remove your signature from your child’s
FAFSA form. If that happens, you will either
need to resolve the conflict with the SSA
and sign electronically again, or you’ll need
to print and mail a signature page.
MYTH #8
Confirming my email address or mobile
phone number can take up to 24 hours.
You should receive your mobile phone
verification code and email confirmation
within three minutes. If you don’t, your
email account’s spam filter could be
the culprit. It’s a good idea to add the
FSA ID email address—@ed.gov—to
your address book to make sure you get
your confirmation.
CREATE YOUR
FSA ID TODAY
https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/
sign-in/landing
17NAVIGATING FINANCIAL AID
Checklist: FAFSA Tips for completing FAQs about completing
PREPARING FOR THE FAFSA the FAFSA the FAFSA
Check as you prepare to file the FAFSA: Meet all financial aid deadlines. You are considered a dependent student
but have no contact with your parents.
□ If filing the FAFSA online, you, and · Check each college’s deadline and/or What should you do?
at least one parent if you are a “priority filing date” and file your FAFSA
dependent student, must sign the in time to meet those deadlines. Submit your FAFSA without any parent
application. Both of you will need an · Contact the financial aid office regarding data. You will receive a request for
FSA ID. You may each apply for an other applications or forms you may be information from your college financial
FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/ required to submit. aid administrator. If you do not receive
sign-in/landing. a request for information, contact
Sign the FAFSA appropriately. the financial aid office and request a
□ If using the PDF FAFSA, go to “Dependency Override.” The college
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-
· You and your appropriate family member financial aid administrator can use
will need to acquire an FSA ID from
aid/fafsa. If using the paper FAFSA, professional judgment to determine
https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/
request one by calling 1.800.4.FED.AID if a student should be treated as an
landing to electronically sign your online
(1.800.433.3243). independent student. You will need
FAFSA. Failure to do so may cause you to
to provide the financial aid office
lose out on financial assistance you may
□ F ind the federal school codes for your documentation of your circumstances.
be otherwise qualified to receive.
colleges at https://fafsa.ed.gov/spa/fsc The financial aid administrator will not
List all the colleges to which you are automatically change your dependency
□ Visit www.ecmc.org/students/resource- applying for admission. status just because you request it. The
guides.html to access a financial aid decision is based on the financial aid
worksheet to prepare you to complete · Your FAFSA information will only be sent administrator’s judgment based on
the FAFSA. to the colleges you specify (you may list the facts of your specific situation,
up to 10). and is final.
FILING THE FAFSA
· Each college has a six-digit federal
Check as you complete the FAFSA: school code. What’s the easiest/fastest way to
complete the FAFSA?
· Visit https://fafsa.ed.gov/spa/fsc to
□ You and the appropriate family search for federal school codes. To make filing easier, the U.S. Department
members have signed the forms
of Education offers the IRS Data Retrieval
Contact your college to report special Tool to automatically transfer tax
□ You have listed all the colleges to which circumstances. information from the IRS directly into the
you are applying for admission
· Since the FAFSA does not include space FAFSA. This tool is available for those
for you to explain special financial who have completed their prior-prior year
□ You have printed a copy or made
circumstances unique to you and your taxes at the time of FAFSA filing. Go to
a copy of your completed FAFSA for
family, an explanation of the situation https://studentaid.gov/resources/
your records
should be communicated directly to the irs-drt-text to learn more about
□ If you do not have enough room for all college(s) to which you’re applying. using the tool.
your colleges, list your first 10 choices · Special circumstances might include What if you are a dependent student, but
on the FAFSA. Once you have received unusual medical bills, an impending your parents are divorced or separated?
your valid SAR, you can then edit the divorce, expected unemployment or other Whose financial information should be
college list so that your FAFSA data is situations. used on the FAFSA?
transmitted to the remaining colleges.
· Do not mail this correspondence with
your FAFSA because this could slow You should report information about the
Note: Do not send information about parent you lived with the majority of the
special circumstances to the colleges down the processing of your financial
aid application. time during the year before the date you
listed on the FAFSA until you contact the file your FAFSA. If you didn’t live with either
financial aid offices about your application parent, or if you lived with each parent an
Do not delay completing the FAFSA
information. The financial aid offices will equal amount of time, report information
because you are waiting to hear if you
tell you what is needed. about the parent who provided the greatest
have been accepted to a college.
amount of financial support during the
· You should file your FAFSA as soon year before the date you file your FAFSA.
as possible on or after October 1 If you didn’t receive any parental financial
regardless of whether or not you have support during that time, you must report
THREE TYPES OF been accepted to college. information about the parent who most
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID— · Waiting until you have been accepted recently provided the greater amount of
could result in missing important financial parental support.
GRANTS, aid deadlines, making you ineligible for
financial aid you might otherwise have Do you report stepparent information?
WORK-STUDY been able to receive.
Information about both of your parents
& LOANS. (biological or adoptive), as long as they are
living together, is required on the FAFSA,
regardless of their marital status or gender.
18You can also read
